Two squads with more than one player aspiring to go to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar are vying for a spot in the Apertura 2022 final.
Rayados advanced to the semifinals with eight Mexican players who are vying for a place in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, while Pachuca has three national players and one foreign player who will also seek to showcase their best football in the playoffs to be considered for the tournament in the Middle East.
Monterrey has players with World Cup experience like Hector Moreno and Jesus Gallardo, as well as Cesar Montes, defenders who are in Gerardo Martino's trusted group, while Rogelio Funes Mori and Luis Romo could increase their chances of going to the World Cup through a brilliant series against Tuzos after recovering from injuries. Other players like Erick Aguirre, Rodolfo Pizarro, and Alfonso Gonzalez have not been ruled out for the World Cup either.
"Without a doubt, I'm fully committed to Mexico, obviously they have given me the opportunity, Mexico has given me the opportunity to represent the national team and if I get the chance, I will do it in the best way," said Funes Mori, who is originally from Argentina.
In the case of Tuzos, Luis Chavez, Kevin Alvarez, and Erick Sanchez could be considered by Tata, while Romario Ibarra is fighting for his position with Gustavo Alfaro in Ecuador.
"In terms of performance, they have had great progress with us, they are fundamental pillars, there are other good players but they have maintained a consistent level, I would have them, but Martino will decide, they are young and will surely contribute to this national team and the future, considering the level they have shown since the previous semester, we were able to give Luis some rest, they are three players who will be useful for Tata in friendlies and the World Cup," said Guillermo Almada, coach of Pachuca.
Gallardo, Funes Mori, Pizarro, Montes, and "Ponchito," Rayados players who will be looking to impress against Tuzos to go to Qatar, were crowned champions in the Apertura 2019 playoffs, and Alfonso Gonzalez, who would have few chances of being considered by 'Tata' Martino for the World Cup, is excited about putting on a good performance against Pachuca that could earn him a spot in the national team.
"I truly haven't lost hope or excitement yet, there's still the end of the season, the playoffs. Football provides many surprises, so my faith is still intact. If I don't get the opportunity to go, it's not something that will occupy my mind. Surely my chance will come later," he said.
On the other hand, the four players from Pachuca who will fight for a place with their national teams in the playoffs, despite having experience in knockout stages, could only reach the runners-up position in the previous tournament.
"It's a dream that I've had since I was a child, it's exciting, it's happening the way I want it to, and hopefully there will be an opportunity to go to the World Cup," said Kevin Alvarez.
The 2006 World Cup in Germany was the last World Cup to have representation from Rayados with Jesus Arellano, Luis Ernesto Perez, and Mario Mendez, while Erick Gutierrez was the last Tuzo to be part of a World Cup squad in Russia 2018.